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Gardens by Appointment in Antrim

These gardens are open by appointment in aid of the National Trust for Northern Ireland. Money raised by this scheme will be used to fund projects in National Trust gardens which otherwise might not have been financed. This scheme is in addition to the established Ulster Gardens Scheme of fixed day openings.

Tel: Mrs Dorothy Brown for an appointment and directions to the garden on 028 276 62923April – end September

11 Sallagh Road, Cairncastle, Ballygally, Larne, BT40 2NE

A two acre plantsman’s garden situated on the Antrim Coast and consisting of a number of paths winding through maturing woodland. There are several small ponds and it holds an extensive collection of herbaceous plants, bulbs, shrubs and trees, many of which have been propagated by the owner. Large collection of Hellebores. Parking limited. Not suitable for children. Partial wheelchair access.

Location: From A8 Belfast to Larne Road, turn left on B148 for Cairncastle at new Millbrook roundabout. After approximately 4 miles, leave B148 at ‘Old Dairy’ (yellow cottage), and fork left onto Sallagh Road. House is 0.75 miles on right, below road. Alternatively: From A2 Coast Road at Ballygally, from rear of Ballygally car park turn left and drive approximately 1.75 miles to T junction. Turn left again onto B148 and then, shortly after, sharp right onto Sallagh Road access.

Tel: Mr and Mrs D Ledsham for appointment on 028 2858 3003April – end October

13 Ballynagard Road, Ballyvoy, Ballycastle BT54 6PW

This country garden near Ballycastle, on a 0.5 acre site, is approximately 400ft above sea level with a stunning view of the sea and Kenbane headland. The garden is designed for the prevailing environmental conditions and to protect each section from the severe winds structured windbreaks have been created from ceanothus, potentilla, fuchsia, escallonia, weigela, cistus and conifers. From the first snowdrops, daffodils and primulas in the main garden there is a continual mass of colour until early autumn with lilies, agapanthus, alliums, azalea, hydrangea and many more. At the end of the garden a number of small paths lead through a large rockery of mature plants and rhododendrons to a fruit tree area. Another area of the garden is planted with a wide variety of hostas, apple trees and other mature shrubs. Due to limited car parking and narrow road, groups are limited to 10 and regrettably unsuitable for wheelchairs.

Location: Drive through Ballycastle, pass the Marine Hotel on left, take second exit at the roundabout onto the A2 and follow signs for Cushendall. Two miles onto Ballyvoy (Hunters Pub on corner) continue on A2 for 0.75 miles, Ballynagard Road is on the right. Drive approximately 0.75 miles and arrive at first bungalow on the right.

Tel: Dr Tom and Mrs Penny McNeill for appointment on 077 5419 0687Late May – September